PAST

Throughout the past four decades, the world of fashion witnessed an evolution. Every decade, fashion-followers are influenced through what they see and hear in the media.

The 70’s was a decade made up of bright tones and polyester. For both genders, butterfly collars, platform shoes and tight bell bottom pants were all the rage. The 1970’s were not only a time of fashion change, but also a time of cultural and social change. For the first time, women could be seen wearing pants instead of skirts or dresses in everyday life. Women started to dress less conservatively, incorporating high cut boots, low cut pants and miniskirts into their wardrobes for nights at the disco. For men, tight, striped, v-neck velour shirts and floral patterned dress shirts were very popular. As for fashion in sports, men could be seen wearing tennis headbands and different types of shorts than the ones that are worn today.

The 1980’s fashion trends eliminated certain fads from the 70’s and created new ones. Fashion-followers were influenced by trend-setters, such as Michael Jackson, MC Hammer and Madonna. High school hallways were a blur of Chuck Taylor’s, neon and acid-washed jeans. Both men and women proudly wore denim jackets in every wash, popped collars, parachute pants and shoulder-padded shirts. Women’s closets were full of over-sized tops, skinny jeans, jelly shoes and leg warmers. Transitioning from the 70’s, miniskirts were commonly worn, sometimes over a pair of leggings. Accessorizing was a must, with huge earrings, finger-less gloves, fanny packs and scrunchies. Men could be seen wearing pastel colors, Member’s Only jackets and loafers. And of course, an icon of the 80’s was big hair for women and mullets for men.

The 1990’s was a transition in the fashion world to grunge. Stores started selling items such as overalls, baggy and ripped jeans, turtlenecks, cargo pants and combat boots. Accessories included chokers, bandannas, backwards caps and chain wallets. Both men and women wore the popular brands of clothing and shoes: Guess, Vans and Airwalk. Stirrup pants and pleated pants were in style for women, while men wore unbuttoned shirts over skate tee’s and tanks. A new fad for fashion-followers was body piercings and tattoos, which were not as popular before the 90’s. The trends for hairstyles were bleached, crimped and spiked hair.

PRESENT

Now, it seems as though the hallways of Antioch Community High School are a sea of UGG boots, moccasins, yoga pants and sweatshirts. Brands such as American Eagle, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria’s Secret Pink are taking over the world of fashion for young adults.

“Girls tend to wear comfy clothes,” senior Vanessa Solis said.

However, that is not the case for everyone. Like many other high school students, Solis has a signature outfit.

“For shirts, I like something with a cool design that sticks out, so the rest can be nonchalant like nice jeans and a pair of flats,” Solis said.

Junior Ben Hermes also has a go-to outfit he wears to school often.

Hermes said, “[I wear] moccasins, jeans from American Eagle, Bibber Box sweater shirts and Marc Jacobs glasses.”

Trends that recently became popular include high waisted pants and shorts, beanies, leather jackets, knits and patterned leggings. Style always seems to come back, and trends from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, such as overalls, acid-washed jeans, Vans, parachute pants and combat boots, are making a comeback. Although silver jewelry dominated for a while, gold jewelry became popular again throughout the past few years.

“[My least favorite trend is] leather jackets because they make too much noise and are hard to move in,” Hermes said. “A jacket shouldn’t be shinier than your shoes.”

Solis said, “In the past, people were risk takers, but right now, high school students dress more high fashionable and nicer.”

Although it seems that fashion trends change significantly from decade to decade, the concept of being in style doesn’t.

“People are still taking time to get dressed and putting some thought into and looking nice. I felt that was what people did when I went to school too,” said ILC clerk Kathleen Stewart. “I really love what’s in now, I really like the feminine stuff that’s in for the girls. It seems like people are really putting thought into what they are wear.”

FUTURE

With fashion from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s already returning, fashion in the future will likely include trends from the past combined with new ones. Predictions for this winter’s fashion trends include knitted and comfy tops, fur and plaid.

Fashion experts think the spring of 2015 will include the return of some trends from last year, such as gladiator sandals and transparency. It will also include the return of some styles from the 70’s and 80’s, like statement earrings and platform shoes. The combination of trends from last year and ones from the past will also return with polo’s, shirt dresses and stripes.

Each season, certain colors are considered “in.” According to pantone.com, the colors of aquamarine, scuba and classic blue will be popular with designers this spring. Additionally, custard (a soft lemon yellow), lucite green (a bright mint) and marsala (a red-brown) will catch on.

Some students at ACHS have predictions of what fashion will be in the future.

Senior Josh Malkamaki said, “I feel like skinny jeans with work boots will catch on, complete with a flannel or leather jacket and bandana.”

“The next fashion trend for girls will be combining their style with guy’s style. For example, girls are wearing baseball tee’s and high socks,” senior Vanessa Solis said.

This trend of a combined style already caught on, with the popularity of boyfriend fit jeans. These looser, relaxed, worn jeans can be bought from well-known brands, such as Levi’s, American Eagle, Gap and Lucky Brand.

The world of fashion and upcoming trends is a mystery, for what’s “in” is constantly changing. Remaining in style, however, will forever stay the same.